Tree board votes to ask council to consider Evarts Run native tree nursery

The Charles Town Tree Board voted June 11 to request that city council consider a preliminary proposal for a native tree nursery at Evarts Run Park.

Katie moved to place the item on a council agenda and the motion was seconded; the board approved the request by voice vote. "I'll make a motion to approve an agenda item for city council," Katie said. The Chair confirmed the motion passed.

The board described the nursery as a source of native material to provide shade along the Augustine Avenue Trail, which an incoming mayor identified as needing trees because the path can become "ungodly hot in the summer." Members noted questions for council and staff about fencing and use changes to the park and said they would bring a location, scope and proposed budget to the council for feedback.

Board members flagged potential obstacles: West Virginia Division of Transportation previously raised safety concerns about placing trees near streets, and the nursery would be a change in park use that may require further review or annexation of adjacent right-of-way before the city can act. The Chair said he will flush out details and present them to council after the city’s meeting backlog eases.

The board voted to submit the agenda request; the item is expected to be scheduled for council consideration after July when staff and new council business settle. The board did not set a final budget or specify an implementation timeline at the meeting.